The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-04-27

on the following day.
This pleased the people, and all ex-
pressed their belief that it was likely to
be the final contest. Said they: "Who
ever heard of three pairs of feet that
could run with equal swiftness?"
A similar remark came to the ears of
Konrad and his two rivals. They were
sitting on bench in the secluded
corner of small park.
" | wish with all my heart that yon-
der fellow were right" spoke up the
young lord. I" In truth, am begin
ming to be bit weary of the whole
affair. A man cannot be on his good
behavior forever without longing to be
rid of it for day at least, and our
good king seems to take delight in sum-
moning us without warning, so one
must always be on the alert"
Then turning to the lad, whose name
was Basil, he asked:
And how dost thou look at the NOR
rows sport? Dost think thou shalt
win? Thou must indeed run fast to
outstrip these long legs of mine. To
speak plainly, friend, l regard my sue
cess as certain. Up in the county of
Kaumega / have run more races than
thou art years old, with not a bad show
ing, either And the lads of Kaumega
are we'll known to be the feetest-footed
in the land"
This reused the peasant to recount
his past victories, and to declare his be-
lief in his own swiftness of foot.
why art thou silent, hearing such
tales of wondrous speed ?" spoke up a
voice at Konrad's side.
Hn Oh Trhn,, ho1
not observed the approach of any one.
Yet there stood a bent old man,
wrapped in long cloak and leaning
upon a staff.
Konrad sprang to his feet, offering
the stranger a seat on the bench. This
he accepted, repeating the question
that had announced his presence, and
adding,
Canst thou make as fine a showing
as thy companions ?'
1.-THE morrow will determine" said
Konrad, simply.
Mayhap he never ran a race" in
simulated Basil.
SIS thy friend right ?" asked the old
man.
g" have run" replied Konrad.
"Then," continued his questioner,
perhaps thou hast never won for to
run is one thing and to win is another
81 have won," said Konrad.
That is good" said the old man.
But what is more to the point, hast
thou ever been beaten in a race of this
kind ?''
"Never," answered Konrad.
The aged stranger appeared still un-
satisfied, for, after moments pause
he spoke again.
Tell me why it was that thou, being
a champion racer, didst keep mute, say.
ing naught of thy power?'
Good sir" answered Konrad, "
know not why thou dost take interest
in my affairs to thus question me; but
this much l will thee: l remembered
my mothers words, A man is judged
not by what he thinks he can do, but
by what he does Therefore was !
silent"
81 perceive that thou hast a wise
mother. But it appears that thou hast
performed deeds worthy of fame"
"Ah," said Konrad, "thy words are
tlattering; but seest thou not that !
might overthrow one man, and yet be
overthrown by another? The morrow
will show the issue Of this race"
"Thou hast well said" answered the
old man, earnestly. May the morrow
prove thee to be as true of heart as
thou art fleet of foot, and may it bring
thee favor of thy king."
Then, having received the thanks o.
Konrad, he walked slowly away.
He is sharp one, whoever he may
be-" said the young lord, addressing
Konrad 50 / tried to get glimpse OF
his face, to see if it were good or evil
but between his muller and the shadow
of his great hat l could make out moth
ing. Some strolling beggar, no doubt
Even beggars have thoughts at times
Sit thee down beside us. Our visitor
kept thee long Standing
" | thank thee" said Konrad: % bu
l would sleep and gain strength for tn,
morning, and it is already late. A rest
full night to we both and happy to
morrow"
Thus saying, he strobe off in the
direction taken by the stranger. He
was not many rods away before he
caught sight of the old man.
The bent form and limping gait were
not to be mistaken. Suddenly, as ht
looked, the figure drew itself erect anC
walked forward with a quick, alert step
f On the instant Konrad increased his
own speed.
The distance between the two les
sened, and Konrad saw that they were
' nearing the gate of the royal palace
The archway was brilliantly lighted
, Without word the tall cloaked figure
f passed within, while the guards OF
, either side stood with uncovered heads
Konrad paused abruptly. Then, turn
ing upon his heel, he said, beneath hi
breath, " 1t is the king ~
The morning dawned brightly, ant
shortly before the hour appointed Kon
, rad set off for the field of contest. H,
= had not proceeded far when he marked
5 a swiftly-approaching horseman, whom
9 he recognized as one of the king
l couriers.
t In moment the man drew rein be
S side him, with the inquiry,
art thou Konrad of Lystonfeld p
" So ! am called" replied the youth
= " am sent to deliver to thee this mes
sage: When the signal to the racers
G is sounded stir not thy foot, but wal
thou in thy place until the king shall
give the word.'"
= {" l await his majesty's command,